flying low over Africa, you can clearly see watering holes in the sandy flood plains:
We later learned how the elephants are keystone species (without them, the ecosystem would not have formed). The area floods each year and if it weren’t for animal interactions with the land, it would be a barren and perfectly flat plain, like the Black Rock Desert. The termites build mounds that rise above the high water level (upon which grow trees and eventually form islands), but the flat lands would be waterless in the dry season without indentations dug below. Enter the elephants. They flip moist soil up onto their backs for sun and insect protection. It starts as a small hole, but water collects there as the area dries out. This creates a positive feedback loop since the elephants find wet soil in the holes that they started, widening them year after year. Over many years, the elephants create the watering holes that all of the larger animals depend on to make it through the summer.
Approaching the dirt landing strip, with warthogs to the side…. welcome to Botswana.
No cell coverage. No internet. No walls. Just wonderful.
Love Cessnas and that’s a nice looking 206 Stationair but I’ve never flown in Africa. Looks a bit like…well no, it doesn’t look like anyplace else lol.
Out of all places in Africa, Botswana is on the top of my list. Visiting the delta is an experience that I would recommend to anyone. Try it! (but bring a big wallet)
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